repo dash pads vs OEM

[towbar]

I know everyone likes OEM dash pads......likewise I'd love to have nice OEM parts as well, but sometime they just arent available in my budget range.

I for one have never had a repo pad......and this may be a crazy question on my part, but I'm brave enough to throw it out there. Why does everyone down the repo pads so much?? I mean I have looked at them at swap meets and they look pretty nice to me, never compared them side x side though?

[leddzepp]

I have one from dashes direct, made in USA. It is very nice, zero complaints here.
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[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by towbar

I know everyone likes OEM dash pads......likewise I'd love to have nice OEM parts as well, but sometime they just arent available in my budget range.

I for one have never had a repo pad......and this may be a crazy question on my part, but I'm brave enough to throw it out there. Why does everyone down the repo pads so much?? I mean I have looked at them at swap meets and they look pretty nice to me, never compared them side x side though?

I have used 3 or 4 reproduction dash pads and I don't see a problem with them "IF" and that is a big if, they are the ones with the metal insert like the originals. I don't know if they are still made, but some of them did not have the metal insert and they were very flimsy. I am sure there are some of those floating around even if they are no longer made. Buyer beware, ask questions...

LockDoc

[flashed]

The repop one I got was the flimsy one ,it looks good installed but I bet it wont last as good as the ones with the inner metal layer.

[El Campo]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I have one from dashes direct, made in USA. It is very nice, zero complaints here.
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Thanks for the link leddzepp. Have never heard of this place before but looks like will be purchasing mine from there. What is the difference between the regular one and the vinyl one (besides about 40 dollars in price)? This is for the 72 btw. Also why does it say for GMC instead of for Chevy, are they different? Towbar sorry for the highjack, I am curious about this too.

[towbar]

El Campo....its all good bud, no hijacking here.....I'm just wanting to learn all I can!! I'm sure there are a ton of other guys/gals with the same questions as you and I. Just wanted to bring the subject up and get a feel for what others thought.....and If we can learn of some good sources too, well thats a plus!!

[Mister-B]

My repro dash pad is holding up great. Unless you can find a NOS original in a box, it'll probably just crack on you. It's 45 year old vinyl that's had crap Armor All slathered on it for years
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[slow-1]

I put a reproduction dash pad in my truck 11 years ago...looks better than the original ever did.
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[Tx Firefighter]

Repro dash pads for these trucks are top notch. I've used half a dozen of them over the years and been completely satisfied with them in all manners.

But, for Gods sake, don't tighten the nuts too tight or you'll make it wavy along the edge.
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[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Repro dash pads for these trucks are top notch. I've used half a dozen of them over the years and been completely satisfied with them in all manners.

But, for Gods sake, don't tighten the nuts too tight or you'll make it wavy along the edge.
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I've noticed some people have a sickness for over tightening everything. Hell, even on simple license plate bolts, they'll do it so tight the screws practically rip the license plate. I guess they figure if a little is good, a lot must be better. They probably wear a belt AND suspenders lol
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[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Mister-B

They probably wear a belt AND suspenders lol
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Ummmm yeah, you need to go ahead and be cool about your fashion comments.


Some of y'all might get the joke.
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[special-K]

Ummm Yeah,I get it

I got a dash pad from LMC in '01. It was over fiberglass. I never put the nuts on and you never could tell. I was thinking I'd be painting the interior sometime soon. Never did,then decided to change color from blue to saddle and sold the dash pad,in perfect condition,last year. Now I have a perfect N.O.S. saddle pad and you can't tell the difference in fit or quality. You can tell it's a different color,though

[oklalawnboy]

Bought mine from Classic parts in MO and it fit great. It looked really close to the original I pulled out.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Ummmm yeah, you need to go ahead and be cool about your fashion comments.


Some of y'all might get the joke.
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Lol
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[weever82]

Just what the majority of us is saying... Just make sure it has the metal inserts and your good to go. I gutted out and restored my whole interior last year and one of the only parts I didn't have to replace was the repo dash pad. Past owner said it was replaced back in about 2000ish and it still looks brand new and with no waves in it. So they are OK in my book.

[nasqar]

I put one in from LMC about 2 years ago I am guessing and it has sat outside the entire time and it still looks great.

[In The Ten Ring]

Great thread! I bought one from LMC about 2003 but never installed it. After I get everything else I currently have in the works (which is a lot!) I'll try to put it in, maybe this winter.

[Steve Hafner]

. . . .

I bought mine from either LMC or Classicparts and it's held up well over the past three years . . . no complaints !!!

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